# Keystone XL Tar Sands: Risks and Rewards Explained - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/keystone-xl-tar-sands-risks-and-rewards-explained/ - Published: 2014-02-02T16:39:27-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy As the assessment of the Keystone XL tar sands enters the final stages with the release of the final environmental [review. ](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/06/moodys-cancellation-trans-mountain-debt-pipeline/) So there are a lot of questions about what we can expect. Bottom line: the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline is a project that brings risk with no reward. The environmental review for the pipeline is one step and it has been contentious. But the decisive phase is the national interest determination over the coming months. ![Wow, folks! This image really captures the heart of the Keystone XL pipeline debate that was heating up back in 2014. It's like looking at two different worlds colliding, and boy, does it pack a punch! On one side, we've got Mother Nature in all her glory. Picture this: lush green forests, crystal-clear streams, and wildlife roaming free. It's the kind of scene that makes you want to take a deep breath of fresh air and maybe hug a tree or two. This side represents all the environmental concerns that had folks worried about the pipeline. But hold onto your hard hats, because the other side is a whole different story! We're talking oil rigs reaching for the sky, hardworking folks in their safety gear, and of course, that big ol' pipeline snaking its way through the landscape. It's like an industrial ballet, showcasing the economic potential that had pipeline supporters all fired up. Now, here's where it gets really interesting. Right smack in the middle, there's this massive question mark. But get this - it's not just any old punctuation. Half of it's made of oil, slick and black, while the other half is crafted from leaves and vines. It's like the ultimate visual metaphor for the big question on everyone's minds: Is this pipeline really in our national interest? And just to drive home the point that this was a red-hot American issue, there are subtle touches of red, white, and blue sprinkled throughout the background. It's like Uncle Sam himself is keeping a watchful eye on the whole debate. This image doesn't just show two sides of an argument; it tells a story. A story of jobs versus environment, energy independence versus climate change, and the tough choices facing our nation. It's a reminder that sometimes, there are no easy answers when it comes to balancing progress and preservation. So, what do you think? Does this image capture the complexity of the Keystone XL debate? Can you feel the tension between those two worlds? And most importantly, which side would you lean towards if you had to make the call? Remember, whether you're Team Pipeline or Team Environment, we're all in this together. So let's keep the conversation going, keep learning, and keep working towards a future that's both prosperous and green. After all, isn't that the real national interest we should all be fighting for?](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_0564.png? resize=300%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1) AI ## Keystone XL Tar Sands: The Pipeline That Divided a Nation Hey there, [green living enthusiasts](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/05/hgtvs-green-home-innovations-redefining-eco-friendly-living/)! Let’s dive into the heated debate that was rocking the nation back in February 2014– the [Keystone XL pipeline](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/07/progress-update-regarding-keystone-xl-pipeline/). This wasn’t just any old energy project; it was a lightning rod for controversy that had everyone from politicians to environmentalists fired up. ### The National Interest Showdown In February 2014, the Keystone XL pipeline found itself at a critical crossroads. The Obama administration was faced with a tough decision: determine whether this massive project was in the national interest. But what exactly did that mean? ### Jobs vs. Environment: The Great Debate On one side, we had the job creators. Proponents of the pipeline argued that it would be an economic boon, creating thousands of jobs and boosting America’s energy independence. They painted a picture of a future where the U.S. could reduce its reliance on Middle Eastern oil and [enjoy lower gas prices](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Keystone-pipeline) But hold your horses! The other side wasn’t buying it. Environmentalists and climate scientists were waving red flags, warning about the potential for oil spills and the massive carbon footprint of tar sands oil. They argued that the environmental risks far outweighed any economic benefits. ### The Obama Administration’s Balancing Act President Obama found himself walking a tightrope. He had previously indicated that he would only approve the pipeline if it didn’t [significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions](https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/power-and-energy/keystone-pipeline-overview). Talk about a tough call! Meanwhile, the State Department was burning the midnight oil, conducting a thorough review of the project’s potential impacts. Their findings would play a crucial role in determining whether Keystone XL got the green light or a red stop sign. ### Legal Hurdles and Political Pressure But wait, there’s more! In February 2014, a Nebraska court threw a wrench in the works. They struck down a law that had given the governor the power to approve the pipeline’s [route through the state](https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/power-and-energy/keystone-pipeline-overview). This legal curveball added another layer of complexity to an already complicated situation. At the same time, political pressure was mounting. With the 2014 midterm elections on the horizon, both Democrats and Republicans were using the Keystone XL debate as a political football. Some Democratic senators were even urging Obama to approve the project, hoping it would boost their re-election chances. ### The Road Ahead As February 2014 came to a close, the fate of the Keystone XL pipeline remained up in the air. The debate was far from over, and the final decision was still months away. But one thing was clear: this wasn’t just about a pipeline. It was about the future of American energy policy and our commitment to combating climate change. ### What Do You Think? So, green living warriors, where do you stand on this issue? Are you Team Jobs or Team Environment? Or do you think there’s a middle ground we haven’t explored yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Remember, whether you’re for or against the pipeline, we can all agree on one thing: the need for cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. So let’s keep pushing for innovative solutions that can power our future without compromising our planet! Want to dive deeper into the Keystone XL saga? Check out these resources: 1. [Natural Resources Defense Council: Keystone XL Pipeline](https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-keystone-pipeline) 2. [U.S. Department of State: Keystone XL Pipeline Project](https://2009-2017.state.gov/e/enr/applicant/applicants/202450.htm) 3. Union of Concerned Scientists: The Keystone XL Pipeline ### And for more on sustainable energy solutions: 1. [Department of Energy: Renewable Energy](https://www.energy.gov/eere/renewable-energy) 2. [Environmental Protection Agency: Green Power Partnership](https://www.epa.gov/greenpower) 3. National Renewable Energy Laboratory Keep fighting the good fight for a greener tomorrow, folks! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)